Bible group called 911 about man later arrested in ramming of Vancouver arena, police say

The Vancouver police have revealed that a man who was detained after ramming his vehicle into the Pacific Coliseum on Thursday night was reportedly suffering from “religious delusions.” Earlier in the day, a 911 call was made by a Bible study group regarding the man’s erratic behavior, but he had left before police could intervene.

According to Sgt. Steve Addison, the man exhibited signs of mental health distress and was speaking incoherently about Satan, God, and other religious topics, indicating that he was experiencing a mental health crisis. The 30-year-old Vancouver resident had no prior criminal or mental health history before the incident at the Pacific Coliseum, where a Cirque du Soleil show was taking place.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the vehicle ramming incident, as the car collided with a concrete column outside the arena, preventing it from entering the building. Addison described it as a “miracle” considering the potential harm that could have been caused to the individuals inside and outside the venue.

The man is currently being held under the Mental Health Act, and as he has not been charged with any criminal offenses, his identity is being withheld by the police. The incident comes just over a month after a devastating SUV attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in East Vancouver, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.

In response to the recent events, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed gratitude that no one was harmed and reassured the public of the city’s commitment to ensuring safety at all events. Despite the lack of evidence linking the Pacific Coliseum incident to terrorism or the Lapu-Lapu festival attack, the police are taking extra precautions to enhance security at upcoming events, including the B.C. Lions’ season opener and the Italian Day festival on Commercial Drive.

Over 300 additional officers will be deployed, and vehicle barriers are being installed to mitigate potential risks and provide a sense of security for attendees. Addison urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement promptly, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety during summer events in Vancouver.